Baku port dredging to commence later this year – by David Foxwell

‘Currently, the Port of Baku is a main hub on the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) corridor that connects Europe via the Caucasus and Caspian Sea with Central Asia and China, said Royal Haskoning. ‘Its location will significantly impact on North-South corridor trade as well, allowing fast and reliable cargo services between Russia’s north-west and Persian Gulf states and Indian Ocean. It is therefore vital that the new port will be able to further expand as the area continues to develop. In parallel, the EU seeks to support the development of contemporary International Logistics Centre in the close vicinity to the new port.’

The main focus of the new port will be a rail ferry terminal connecting the ports of Aktau, Kazakhstan and Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, to Baku. With around only 30 train ferry systems in the world, they are not widely used. Royal Haskoning has designed and redeveloped many of these including the other two rail ferry terminals on the Caspian Sea at Aktau and Turkmenbashi.

The new port will also provide a general cargo terminal, cargo handling facilities, ro-ro facilities and a passenger terminal. Further developments envisage the construction of large container terminal facilities at the new port.

While the port of Baku, transport hub and other industrial facilities relocate, Baku Bay will be transformed from an industrial bay into a modern waterfront, including prime real estate developments. Once relocation is complete, traffic levels in the city should be improved, creating an improved environment and city experience.

Meanwhile, the area around Alyat, will see improvements to its economy as opportunities for new developments and jobs become available and improvements to infrastructure such as water, sewage and electricity networks are made.

Royal Haskoning said dredging works are planned to commence in 2010, in parallel with the detailed design of the port which is set to be finalised in the summer of 2010. This will be followed by the main construction works contract, including the quay walls, ferry terminal and main port infrastructure.